A Letter from the Chairman

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As an area hotel owner/operator, I’ve seen first-hand how government red-tape and policy can impact my business. That’s why I volunteer my time as the Chairman of the Grand Strand Business Alliance (GSBA). 


With full-time lobbyist representation in Columbia and Washington, DC, the Grand Strand Business Alliance is the advocacy voice for Myrtle Beach area businesses. The GSBA also supports legislators that support our business community through 4 state Political Action Committees (PACs).
Our Executive Committee is made up of myself, Tony Cox (Vice-Chairman) and
Shep Guyton (Secretary/Treasurer). 


Because of our lobbyist representation and the PAC support, we’ve been able to deliver on several successful accomplishments for the Myrtle Beach area business community. First and foremost, we were able to secure and maintain 35 million + in marketing dollars for the Grand Strand with the passage of the TDF. We’ve secured state funding to protect water quality. We worked with legislators from around the state to reform the judicial process surrounding environmental challenges to infrastructure projects (International Drive). The GSBA also secured millions in recurring renourishment dollars to protect our number one asset: the beach.


As we look ahead, there’s no shortage of issues that the Myrtle Beach area business community needs representation on in Columbia and Washington, DC:

  • Continue to protect and preserve the TDF for marketing the destination;
    Defeat efforts to move the school start date sooner into August or even July; 

  • Seek state and federal investment for Interstate 73; 

  • Ensure our future workforce is prepared through comprehensive education reform; 

  • Eliminate the Corporate Income Tax and work to make taxes lower and more efficient; 

  • Give the hospitality industry a seat at the table on alcohol safety reforms and regulations; 

  • Create an even playing field when it comes to the taxation of short-term rentals; 

  • AND, most importantly, work to defeat the many pieces of legislation with intended or unintended consequences on the Grand Strand area economy.

The GSBA operates solely on contributions by area businesses and individuals to promote the common economic interests of Myrtle Beach area businesses. Your contribution to the Grand Strand Business Alliance and the PACs will only be used to support appropriate, business-minded candidates in accordance with state and federal laws. 

Sincerely, 

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Steve Chapman 
Chairman